New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi Monday congratulated social activist Mohan Dharia who received the Indira Gandhi National Integration Award. The award was given to Dharia by Gandhi.
Both the leaders paid tributes to former prime minister Indira Gandhi on her 27th death anniversary.
The prime minister said he got to know about Dharia’s NGO Vanrai during its silver jubilee function held recently in Pune. He appreciated the rural development work being done by the NGO and said he had known Dharia for over 40 years.
‘Dharia’s NGO has helped in reverse migration to villages,’ said the prime minister.
Dharia, a freedom fighter, has been a member of both houses of parliament besides being a central minister. He also served the planning commission as its deputy chairman.
Remembering Indira Gandhi, the prime minister said her sacrifice taught people to rise above caste, community, religion and language barriers and work for nation-building.
